ENGAGING PHOTOGRAPHIC WORKSHOP
The first week of this program will immerse you in an interactive workshop led by an experienced professional photographer who will serve as your mentor. You'll delve into the basics, tips, and standout aspects of photography, become comfortable with your camera settings, and learn how to take stunning photos through engaging assignments that challenge you to capture frames, colors, movement, and portraits using new techniques. To add the finishing touches, you'll also master the art of editing your photos with Adobe Lightroom, ensuring that your images capture the attention of your audience and leave a lasting impression.
HANDS-ON VOLUNTEERING EXPERIENCE
Throughout the rest of your time on this project, you'll actively contribute to our broader objectives and goals in the Greater Kruger region, all while continually improving your photography skills. The aim is to provide you with an authentic understanding of what it takes to become a professional photographer, including editing and effective utilization of your photographs. Through a range of activities detailed in the following sections, our experienced mentor will take pride in guiding you towards capturing top-notch images, presenting them with context, and exploring opportunities for exposure.
PHOTOGRAPHERS CONTRIBUTING TO WILDLIFE CONSERVATION
Your involvement in the project's research initiatives will be critical as your photography skills aid in collecting important animal identification data. During game drives, you'll have the opportunity to take detailed and precise images of wildlife, which will support the research team in identifying individual animals and monitoring their health, movements, and behavior. Your photographs will be crucial in updating identification databases that guide important decisions in reserve management, contributing significantly to our conservation-focused objectives.
UNVEILING HIDDEN WONDERS WITH MACRO PHOTOGRAPHY
Discover the captivating world beneath our feet by immersing yourself in macro photography. As a dedicated photography volunteer, you'll develop a profound connection with the often-overlooked aspects of the wildlife environment and master the art of capturing their fascinating allure. You'll be awed by the stunning creatures that we often disregard, such as dung beetles, dragonflies, and an array of other mesmerizing creatures.
COMMITTING TO RESPONSIBLE WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY
Ensuring ethical photography practices when capturing animals in their natural habitats is crucial for any wildlife photographer. In this program, you'll gain a deeper understanding of animal behavior, fostering a conservation-driven approach in your photographic pursuits. By learning how to photograph responsibly in this setting, you'll create images that both inspire and promote wildlife conservation.
ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES
Unwind and Connect
After a thrilling day of exploration and hard work, unwind and relax poolside, catch a movie, or engage in a fun-filled games night with fellow volunteers at the lodge. Occasionally, the guides and staff members host informative presentations, providing you with further opportunities to discover the fascinating African landscape and its diverse inhabitants, including both wildlife and people. Savor your dinner on the scenic deck, with a cozy fire to set the mood, often followed by marshmallow roasting! Additionally, you can participate in enjoyable fundraising events such as trivia and game nights, adding an extra layer of fun and excitement to your stay.
OFF-DAYS ACTIVITIES
Take advantage of your free time on Saturdays and Sundays to embark on thrilling trips to breathtaking destinations. With the Blyde River Canyon just a short distance away and the Kruger National Park nearby, the opportunities for adventure are endless. Choose from activities like microlight flights, white water rafting, extreme hikes that lead to refreshing waterholes, or even weekend getaways to neighboring countries like Eswatini! Whatever experience you decide on, be prepared to capture an abundance of incredible photo opportunities. Please note that these off-days activities are not included in the project fee.
